352 .ELEMENTS OF GENERAL SCIENCE 



of the most harmful effects of alcohol is its injury to the 

 nervous system ; but besides this it is thought to aid in the 

 production of some forms of diabetes and gout. Because of 

 these facts alcohol is classed as a poison rather than a food. 



356. Does alcohol make the body warm? We feel warm 

 on a hot day and cold on a cold day when in reality our 

 bodies are practically at the same temperature, namely, 

 98.6 F. On a warm day the smallest blood vessels near 

 the surface of the body are dilated and contain much blood, 

 and we feel warm. Conversely, on a cold day these blood 

 vessels are contracted and contain little blood, and we feel 

 cold. Alcohol, when taken into the body, affects the nerves 

 controlling these small blood vessels in the skin in such a 

 way that they are dilated. This results in a rush of blood 

 to the surface of the body, which causes a warm feeling. 

 What is actually happening is that the body is being unduly 

 cooled because so much blood is brought near the surface. 

 Because of this fact a person under the influence of liquor 

 may freeze to death under conditions which a sober person 

 would survive. Abstinence from all alcoholic drinks is a 

 rule among arctic explorers. 



357. Alcohol and efficiency. The shocking consequences 

 of taking alcohol in excess are evident to anyone who has 

 seen an intoxicated person. The effect of taking alcohol in 

 so-called " moderation " is less evident but no less certain. 

 It is one of the most insidious dangers of alcohol that it 

 is a habit-forming drug which may blunt the perception of 

 the user until he no longer judges properly or cares whether 

 his use of alcohol is moderate or not and often loses his 

 attitude of responsibility for his work. This is one reason 

 why so many business organizations, including most railroad 

 companies, will not knowingly employ anyone who drinks 

 even moderately. 



Another reason why some business men will not employ 

 a man who drinks is that alcohol, even in small amounts, 



